Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1887-11-01
WASHINGTON CORRESPON-
DENCE
The Homes of Names Delegation.
Special Correspondence of Kennebec
Journal.
WAsm1xGrox, Oct. 81, 1887.


journal.
WAsuISGroN, Oct. 81, 1887.
Apropos to the time now rapidly approach
ing, when the Maine delegation will return to
this city, your correspondent, in order to as
certain at this early date, whether its members
will occupy their former places of habitation
or locate in some more desirable part of the
National Capitol, made tour through the
West End for this purpose.
The house which has been occupied by
Senator Hale for several winters past being
nearest. my course was first directed to it. 1t
is located at the corner of 18th and II. streets,
and has for its neighbors upon the other
corner. respectively. St. Matthews church,
Columbian University Law School, and
Wormley's Hotel. 1t twas fine old house in
dHte-beHum days and at the time of Mr.. Lin
coins inauguration, was occupied by the
Secretary of State under President Buchanan,
but its plain facade, broad windows and
spacious halls have ostracised it in the eyes of
its neighbors. and though it was one of the
most convenient and desirable of houses yet
the fashion of its surroundings condemned it,
and it is now being torn down to make room
for more elegant residence, and the Senator
will not occupy it again, at least, during this
winter
Diagonallv across from Senator Hale's on
the opposite side of II street is the residence
of Congressman Mlliken. 1t is a handsome
three story house with mansard roof, and he
has made this his house nearly the whole
time he has been a representative here, and
being located in such fashionable part of
Washington only shows the great State of
Maine what cultured taste her statesmen have.
Pushing on. we next came to the dwelling
place of four members of the delegation,
namely the Hamilton House. This house is
above all others the headquarters of Eastern
visitors and more especially those from Maine.
1t is large handsome building, without orna-
mental affectation, but yet superbly solid in
appearance, and is situated at the corner of
l4th and X streets In the ancient history of
this city it was known as the Rugby" but
ten years ago it underwent considerable i'm
provements and to keep up with the pace of
time it changed its name also. The occupants
of the Hamilton House are not, strictly speak
ing, within that ideal but sacred line which
divides the ultra fashionable from the other
portion of the city. 1t may however be
said TO be upon that line but not within it,
Round and about the neighborhood and out
side of its terrestrial limits are the residences
Of functiouaries of no mean rank and others
W hpr no fp
ness as within it. As rule you will find
living within this circle those whose abode is
of less permanent character. One third of
the population of this circle leave it every
year to return never more owing to congress
i0nal elections and change of administrations
and thus this works havoc in its midst, but
gives them an opportunity of again seeing
matters and men as they once saw them
As intimated before, the Hamilton House,
where Messrs. Frye, Reed, Dingley and
Boaseiie are located, is ON the edge of the
passes the beau monde. line due
northwest of this point, about a
quarter of mile will mark the spot where
Mr.. Blaine's Washington residence stands
Within this circle which surrounds this stately
mansion, reside those who represent the
political and official class of society from
every part of the country. 1t will be per
eehen ihai 1ie restaehces OF your represen-
tatives are arranged within easy access. A
courier dispatched from either of these points
could make the entire tour in twenty minutes.
| SO that in adopting these places of residence.
concerted action, comfort and fashion alone
were consulted. Near them is no squaior
no rag-a-mufkn, no gamin, no hawker of
vegetables, for there are no buyers, at least
none who buy in that way: no tumble down
houses, no stagnent water in street or CUTTERS
no rank weeds or decaying vegetable matter.
nothing 70 offend the senses will You find in
! the West End; but on the other hand every.